Albright's Gerrie Aulisa named DuPage County Middle School Principal of the Year

In a virtual ceremony on Dec. 10, Gerrie Aulisa was named Middle School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association, DuPage County.

Aulisa is the principal of Albright Middle School at Salt Creek Elementary District 48. She was recognized for outstanding accomplishments achieved as a school leader.

Dr. Jake Chung, Superintendent of Schools at District 48, nominated Principal Aulisa and said, "It is a tremendous honor to nominate Ms. Aulisa for the middle school principal of the year award. Ms. Aulisa is one of the finest principals I have ever been associated with. She embodies the traits and characteristics of what a successful middle school principal should encompass. This is her second year at Albright Middle School and she completely transformed the school into a high-performing middle school."

Aulisa, now in her 10th year with the Salt Creek District 48, was previously the principal at Salt Creek Primary as well as Stella May Swartz.

Longevity with the school district has fostered positive relationships with the entire school community.

Aulisa said, "I have had the pleasure of being with my current students since they were in kindergarten and first grade. My career path through the school district has allowed me to basically graduate along with them each year. This has made their transitions into new schools easier and has been such a treat for me."

In a class of her own, Aulisa makes every student feel like a special part of the school. She has worked to create "Victor E. Viking," the school mascot and the Viking V. I. P program that empowers and honors students that make a positive difference at her school.

Aulisa gives a great deal of credit to the district and says, "As I started my second career in education throughout the 2008 recession, I was determined to keep my career alive. I stretched myself to teach anything and everything, from wood shop to ACT Math Prep in order to do so. When I found Salt Creek District 48, I knew this was where I was meant to be. They have encouraged me to grow as an educator and truly saw my potential. They have provided me so many opportunities and truly trust me with their kids. There is nowhere I would rather be!"